TGF-β Physiology as a Novel Therapeutic Target Regarding Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: Where Do We Stand and What to Expect
Efstratios Kardalas,
Spyridoula Maraka,
Maria Papagianni,
George Paltoglou,
Charalampos Siristatidis,
George Mastorakos
Affiliations
Efstratios Kardalas
Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
Spyridoula Maraka
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72501, USA
Maria Papagianni
Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Konstantinoupoleos Str. 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
George Paltoglou
Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
Charalampos Siristatidis
Assisted Reproduction Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
George Mastorakos
Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 76, 11528 Athens, Greece
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), as a master regulator of immune response, is deeply implicated in the complex pathophysiology and development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Based on the close interplay between thyroid autoimmunity and TGF-β, scientific interest was shifted to the understanding of the possible role of this molecule regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of these diseases. The main aim of this review is to present research data about possible treatment options based on the role of TGF-β in thyroid autoimmunity. Suggested TGF-β-mediated therapeutic strategies regarding autoimmune thyroid diseases include either the enhancement of its immunosuppressive role or inhibition of its facilitatory role in thyroid autoimmunity. For example, the application of hr-TGF-β can be used to bolster the inhibitory role of TGF-β regarding the development of thyroid diseases, whereas anti-TGF-β antibodies and similar molecules could impede its immune-promoting effects by blocking different levels of TGF-β biosynthesis and activation pathways. In conclusion, TGF-β could evolve to a promising, novel therapeutic tool for thyroid autoimmunity.
